Occupancy rates improve dramatically

PHUKET: Occupancy rates at most of Phuket’s hotels are looking much better than two weeks ago. Almost all of the hotels contacted by the Gazette today report that cancellations have dwindled and bookings are picking up. Our table illustrates what has happened over the past two weeks. Generally, at this time of year, Phuket’s hotels budget for occupancies of 75-80%. This year was no different, but Y2K fears and canceled flights apparently caused a dramatic drop in new reservations and a rise in the number of cancellations. With what has happened since New Year’s Day, most hotels now believe their occupancy rates will meet or exceed targets for the current high season. The two hotels currently going against the trend, The Allamanda and Royal Phuket City, told the Gazette they believe their lower occupancies stem from a heavy percentage of Asian guests. Asian tourists, they said, had not been as sensitive to Y2K issues as Westerners, and had therefore continued to visit Phuket in December. However, many Asians preferred to stay at home with their families for the New Year, resulting in a dip in occupancy in the first week of January. Both hotels expect guest numbers to rise again in the coming weeks. In part, at least, the large variations between hotels in the same area occur because some define “occupancy” strictly in terms of guests occupying rooms, while others include confirmed reservations and even “tentative” bookings.

UPDATE: Water truck driver presents himself to police after motorcycle death on Kata hill

A water truck driver has presented himself to Karon Police after yesterday’s road accident on Kata Hill that killed a female motorcycle rider.

She died after skidding on oil spilled on the road, falling off the motorbike and being crushed by a water truck in Kata last night. Two others motorists following being also crashed and sustained injuries.

This morning the water truck driver, Apichart Sripan, has himself to Karon Police for questioning over the incident.

Karon Police report that a drug and alcohol test has been conducted returning a zero result. But he has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and death.

In our earlier report, police say witnesses report the truck stopped 100 metres down the road. They say the driver got out of the truck to inspect the wheels. Witnesses tried to take photo of him but he got back into his truck and sped away.

Motorbike driver dies, another person injured after car driver slams into them

A female motorbike driver has died while a male car driver has sustained injuries after a second car driver fell asleep at the wheel in Thalang crashing into them.

The incident happened on Srisoonthorn Road in Thalang at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday).

Police and emergency responders arrived to find a damaged motorbike and two damaged cars.

Police report that the car driver, Dechawat Taechanitisawat, fell asleep at the wheel. He lost control of his vehicle before colliding with the motorbike whose driver was 34 year old Ms Tanakorn Chadaphon and another car driven by 39 year old Pradit Ruecha.

They were both rushed to Thalang Hospital where Ms Tanakorn was later pronounced dead.

Police are continuing their investigation and will charge Dechawat Taechanitisawat.

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